Neurologie in der DDR: eine systematische Literaturübersicht zur historischen Aufarbeitung

BACKGROUND: Neurology as a discipline developed differently in the two German states after 1945 and little is known about neurology in the GDR. OBJECTIVE: This article examines the present state of historical research on neurology in the GDR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically screened the existing literature from the period 1991–2021 and assigned the studies to different categories. RESULTS: We found significant regional differences in the way specific topics are addressed. We also identified a lack of a general overview on the subject and a lack of studies dealing with neurology within the specific socio-political context of the GDR. Comparative studies between the GDR and the BRD and between the GDR and other countries are also scarce. CONCLUSION: Further systematic research (in the form of a separate research project) into the history of neurology in the GDR and its role within the socialist healthcare system of the GDR is needed, taking comparative aspects into account.